PICTOU, NS, August 20, 2010…….The Mayors and Warden of Pictou County have jointly issued a statement that publicly emphasizes that health care priorities are at the top of the priority list for all municipal councils of Pictou County. The mayors and warden say that the collective commitment of all six municipal units is demonstrated not only  by the commitment of all six municipalities to the recently announced Pictou County wellness centre project but also by the pledge of $4.1 million for urgently needed upgrades at the Aberdeen Hospital, located in New Glasgow.

“The Aberdeen Hospital is a regional facility that serves all 46,000 residents of Pictou County with 104 beds. It must have sufficient emergency room and regular doctor coverage, as well as up-to-date equipment”,  agree all members of the Mayors and Warden Committee, consisting of  Warden Ron Baillie, Municipality of the County of Pictou; New Glasgow Mayor Barrie MacMillan, Stellarton Mayor Joe Gennoe, Pictou Mayor Joe Hawes,  Trenton Mayor Glen MacKinnon and Westville Mayor Roger MacKay.

Warden Ronnie Baillie, Chair of the Mayors and Warden Committee, explains that the municipal units have committed the municipal funding for the hospital project for more than a year. “We are anxiously waiting for the Province to commit to their share,” says the Warden. “The municipalities are ready to move ahead with the upgrades to the Aberdeen Hospital, and we have been on board and ready since 2009. We recognize the importance of this essential facility and are eager to see improvements made to the Emergency Room and Pharmacy Departments of the Aberdeen. As a group, we are united in our concern that there has been no response from the provincial government regarding what it is willing to commit to the project.”  

The Deed Transfer Tax, which came into effect in September 2009, will be used to fund the $4.1 million estimated to be needed for hospital upgrades, as well as the municipal funding portion of the soon-to-be-built Pictou County wellness centre.

“The municipalities in Pictou County are working together and are united in the goal to ensure that the health and well-being of all of our citizens is being looked after,” emphasizes Warden Baillie. “An important part of healthy living is preventative medicine, which is facilitated by adequate facilities for sports and recreation. The other aspect of healthy living is clearly physician care. We must ensure that our hospital is equipped to deliver the level of care and services that our residents require.  The municipalities in Pictou County are waiting for the province to indicate that it shares our concern for our residents by following through with the provincial commitment to fund the much-needed hospital upgrades for the Pictou County Health Authority at the Aberdeen Hospital.  A strong health care delivery system is imperative to build the future of our community and to continue to attract people to our region.”

 

Registration for Fall/Winter Zumba and Cardio Fit Classes will be held on September 20th in the Civic Building Gym starting at 5:30 pm. Cost is $35 for 5 weeks. Classes will be held Monday and Thursday nights as well as Saturday mornings. For more information contact the recreation office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Hawboldt/Lays Race will be held on Labour Day. Races include 1 mile,5mile,and Fun Run. Registration begins at 9 am in the Westville Civic Building Gym with races at 9:30 and 10. Registration for Fun Run to be held in the Victoria Park at 9:30. For more info email the recreation office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Site Preparation Officially Underway for Pictou County Wellness Centre

Wellness Centre Media Release